So, your dog is eating cat food. Some dogs prefer cat food over dog food, and who can blame them? Cat food is also designed to smell savory. which can be an irresistible draw for dogs looking for a treat. Cat food is completely safe for dogs to eat. But if your dog consistently eats cat food, the extra fat and protein can cause weight gain very quickly.
It will require some modifications to your regular feeding schedule, but it is possible to find a solution. You can either teach your dog to disregard the cat’s meals or completely eliminate the opportunity.
When Cat Food Is Safe for Dogs
In fact, cat food may be a better option than many dog foods for some dogs, such as those dealing with cancer and experiencing weight loss, muscle wasting, and a lack of appetite.
In these situations, compared to many home-prepared diets, cat food tends to be more palatable, offer more calories per serving, and provide a more nutrient-balanced option.
Like some commonly consumed human foods like cheese, chicken, or peanut butter, which provide a concentrated amount of primarily one nutrient, cat kibble can make for healthier, balanced treats or training rewards.
What’s the Difference Between Dog Food and Cat Food?
Dogs can eat a more varied diet that contains both plant-based and animal-based ingredients because they are omnivores.
However, because they only consume animal products, cats are true carnivores and have higher protein and fat needs than dogs.
In addition, whereas dogs need 10 amino acids, cats need 11 essential amino acids to be provided by their diet. The additional amino acid required by cats is taurine.
Commercial cat foods need to have higher protein, fat, and taurine concentrations than commercial dog foods to satisfy these higher nutrient requirements. This suggests that all commercial dog food is inadequate in nutrition for cats.
The higher protein and fat levels in cat food, however, make it more palatable and enticing for dogs and enable it to meet or even exceed their nutritional needs.
Why Can’t Dogs Eat Cat Food?
Cats and dogs require different vitamins and have different dietary needs.
McCarthy claims that because cats are obligate carnivores, they must consume meat. Dogs are omnivores, which means they must eat meat, vegetables, and typically a source of carbohydrates. Dogs require a diet with more variety than cats. ”.
Additionally, compared to dogs, cats need more protein and additional nutrients, such as higher levels of niacin and specific B vitamins, as well as the amino acids taurine and arginine. Giving your dog food made for cats may lead to an imbalance in the nutrients needed for their best growth and development.
Companies that create pet foods, according to McCarthy, will stick to a high protein source, fiber, and suitable vitamins for cats. In contrast, the ingredients in dog foods are more varied and typically include a protein source, vegetables, and a carbohydrate source.
FAQ
What should I do if my dog eats cat food?
There is no immediate cause for concern if your dog eats cat food by accident. The GI upset (diarrhea or vomiting) that cat food may cause in dogs is not toxic and should quickly go away on its own. However, you should contact your veterinarian if diarrhea or vomiting lasts longer than 24 hours.
What happens when a dog eats cat food?
A dog who eats too much cat food may at first experience digestive distress. diarrhea and vomiting are frequent, especially if it’s their first time eating cat kibble.
Can cat food hurt dogs if they eat it?
Cat food is typically high in fat, calories, and protein, making it unsuitable for dogs. After consuming cat food, dogs with sensitive stomachs may experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Is it okay for a dog to eat dry cat food?
Because cats must eat meat, cat food is specially formulated to meet their high protein requirements. Thus, the protein content will be denser than what your dog is accustomed to eating. There will also be more fat, which could result in weight gain. A dog who occasionally eats cat food may experience gas and upset stomach.